Renewal Ministries of Colorado Springs

Hope and healing through Christ centered ministry

Choosing A Counselor

  1. Is God’s Word the source of their counsel? Is the Bible seen as being one truth among many other truths, or is it the most reliable place for real help? Find a counselor that is convinced that real truth applied to real problems brings about real change. Lives are changed as the truth of God, as revealed in His word, is applied to the toughest problems.
  2. Is the counselor biblically sound? Most counseling errors stem from the fact that the counselor has views of God, change, problems, etc., which are shaped more by culture and Pop-Psychology than by God’s Word. Sound theology should shape their psychology rather than the other way around.
  3. Is the counselor committed to growth and change, or are they more interested in endless discussions about the problem? Many counselors are good at “diagnosing” but don’t have answers for change. What results is “Diagnostic Damnation.” Seek out a counselor that is more concerned with God honoring change, than with labels.
  4. Will the counselor lead me to answers found in God’s Word, or tell me the answers are within me? Most of the 250 commonly used approaches to counseling assume “the answers are found within.” Find a counselor who understands that the Bible teaches that we need outside counsel from God and His revealed truth. They should point people to real answers, not more self-focus.
  5. Is the counselor well-trained? Find a counseling center that is well-trained in Biblical counseling. They should provide in-house training in addition to the degrees they have already received. Please check out the ABC network to help locate a Biblical counseling center in your area.
  6. Will the counselor honor my marriage? Much marriage counseling today is really divorce counseling. Counselors split couples up to work on “individual issues” with the end result being the couple growing further apart. Ask the counselor if they take seriously the commandment to “not separate what God has joined together.” Couples should be counseled together and work toward real changes that will grow the worst marriages into marriages that sing.
  7. Will the counselor honor my authority as a parent? Some counselors meet alone with children, and do not include parents in the process. Find out if the counselor will counsel kids with their parents present as well, because we believe it to be the best way to implement real change. Biblical counseling equips parents to lead their children.

Association of Biblical Counselors — www.christiancounseling.com Association of Biblical Counselors — www.christiancounseling.com

You have a gift. I definitely felt the Holy Spirit working through you. Using scripture and keeping God at the center was awesome.

Mrs. CH

George Stahnke is caring, knowledgeable, professional, and sincere. What everyone needs when they are having a hard time.

Dr. BH

Our meeting with you last week was very beneficial. I personally felt like you were delivering a message directly from God, straight into our hearts.

Mr. & Mrs. C

George was warm and friendly and always put us at ease. He was extremely encouraging and transparent, which helped us in discussion. We were given some valuable insights for our upcoming marriage.

SW & BR

He has a pastor’s heart, is trustworthy, a gifted communicator, a loyal husband and father, but most of all a devoted follower of Christ.

Pastor HBL

For any and all who have a need for Godly counsel and spiritual direction, George would be among those at the top of my list of recommended providers.

JF Ph.D.

Thank you so much for your prayers, support with wisdom, counsel and guidance. May our Lord give back to you more in every aspect of your life for the time spent guiding us wounded sheep. You have been a tremendous blessing.

Mr. & Mrs. ML

Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your message this morning. You were right on target and your illustration was exceptionally effective.

Pastor GL

George was extremely helpful. He empathized with my struggles and really cared about my future. He was a great listener, but also offered so much practical advice and wisdom. Each week I felt like I left with something to work through which would draw me closer to functioning effectively in Christ.

MCK

I think of George as a person who is not just a theologian, but also a believer who leads by example. His personal relationship with the Father has brought him through the many struggles that we all face, in a way that is an example to everyone with whom he has come in contact.

Dr. WA

George went above and beyond what anyone could expect in using the gifts and abilities God has equipped him with to help guide our family through the healing process at such a traumatic time in our life.

Mr. & Mrs. TD

God used your prayers and encouragement to help us not give up and to continue to stay faithful to God’s work. We genuinely appreciate you.

Pastor & Mrs.

I want to let you know that my husband and I renewed our vows in June 2014. (44 years) Your counsel and encouragement for me to take some time for God to work in his life and mine really helped me. God opened Bill’s eyes to his blind spots and renewed our love for one another during the nearly four months that I stayed in Colorado. Thank you! And Praise the Lord!

Mr. & Mrs. JB

In 2008 I hit my rock bottom… Your faithfulness to Christ’s calling most likely saved my life, marriage, and family… You gave us a lot of guidelines that were extremely helpful in giving us hope, and which turned my behavior and habits around… Had you not been there, I’m pretty sure I might be dead by now.

PB

God used you in our lives in a powerful way. Your presence, counsel, prayer, and phone calls have been a source of healing and hope.

Pastor & Mrs.

It was a great first meeting with you. I’m so glad my spouse consented to join us. You have come up in conversation several times today as we have reflected on what God did through you last night. You are being used mightily by Him in your counseling. Thanks again.

Mr. & Mrs. JP